NUPRC Awards 37 Oil Blocks Amid Intimidation Threats

On Tuesday, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced the awarding of 37 oil and gas blocks to 31 companies as part of the 2025 Licensing Round. This followed an eight-month licensing process, during which evaluators faced intimidation and threats.

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the Commission Chief Executive, confirmed that the integrity of the evaluation process was maintained despite these challenges. The successful companies, which include SSonic Petroleum Limited, CFP Pipeline and Flowlines, and Dutchford E&P Limited among others, must pay their signature bonuses and meet other post-award conditions within 90 days to avoid forfeiting their assets.

President Bola Tinubu had mandated the NUPRC to ensure a credible process. A total of 143 companies submitted around 200 bids for the 37 blocks offered.

The winners will receive Petroleum Prospecting Licences after fulfilling all statutory requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act.